BeefWatch Focus: How producers can help cattle cope with extreme heat 

While many of us are starting to think fall work, summer is having one last laugh—we hope it’s the last one. Forecasters are talking possible heat indexes of 115 across much of Nebraska, and the lows may not be very low, which makes it difficult for cattle to cope with the highs. 

While we can’t control the heat, there are some things we can control to help cattle through it. 

1. Water – Make sure cattle have access to plenty of clean water, and that there is enough access space for all cattle, including calves, to get to water. 
2. Shade – If you have the option, move cattle to a pasture that offers shade, or use portable windbreak panels to provide some shade.
3. Air movement – Give cattle the opportunity to get into the breeze, if there is one. 
4. Surface – Access to surfaces that are covered with vegetation will help cattle keep their temperatures lower. 
5. Additional stress – Consider rescheduling anything that will add stress to cattle, like gathering, weaning, preconditioning, etc, if that’s an option.